WE believe in North Temple,a grand boulevard

Part of what makes the west side a great place to live is our compassion for those in need. We face unique issues that other communities also struggle with and are sometimes unprepared to handle. One issue that has residents along North Temple concerned is the increased sex trafficking activity. So what are we supposed to do about it as residents? This is an extremely challenging and complicated issue, but we at Restore North Temple believe that positive change is possible, both for residents and for victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Here are some community organizations working to improve this situation.

TraffickCam App: TraffickCam enables you to help combat sex trafficking by uploading photos of the hotel rooms you stay in when you travel. Traffickers regularly post photographs of their victims posed in hotel rooms for online advertisements. These photographs are evidence that can be used to find and prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes. In order to use these photos, however, investigators must be able to determine where the photos were taken. https://traffickcam.com/download

UCASA - Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault: The Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault engages individuals and organizations in local and statewide collaborations to strengthen the effectiveness of sexual violence education, prevention and response in Utah.http://www.ucasa.org/human-trafficking/

Salt Lake City Policy Department Organized Crime Unit: The Organized Crime Unit (OCU) conducts compliance enforcement, street operations and investigations related to human trafficking, exploitation, gambling venues and money laundering. A greater emphasis is placed on investigations that involve the endangerment of minors, as well as the exploitation and or trafficking of an individual for financial or other gain by a third party. The OCU works to take its investigations to a resolution that will permanently deter the individuals involved from taking part in these crimes. This may include involving other entities, such as the FBI, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs & Immigration Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Enforcement, Utah Attorney General’s Office, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and others, in a joint enforcement effort. If you have a tip related to the Organized Crime Unit (Not for crimes in progress) call: (801) 799-INFO (4636) – you may remain anonymous- or visit:www.tipsubmit.com and fill in the form.

Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: Utah Domestic Violence Coalition is a private non-profit organization recognized nationally for providing expertise concerning issues of domestic and sexual violence to member programs, community partners and others in Utah. We advocate for the development of policies and practices that enhance victim safety and empowerment while raising awareness of the need for prevention and intervention. http://udvc.org/

Utah Attorney General's Office: Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery involving the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked in countries around the world, including the United States. It is estimated that human trafficking is a $32 billion per year industry, second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of transnational crime. Human trafficking is a hidden crime, as victims rarely come forward to seek help because of language barriers, fear of the traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement.http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/human-trafficking

Trafficking Red Flags

Victim is fearful of authorities

Victim is not in possession or control of their identification and travel documents

Victim is coached on what to say to law enforcement and immigration officials

Victim was recruited for one job and forced to engage in another

Victim’s salary is being garnished to pay off a smuggling debt (debt bondage)

Victim’s pay is controlled by the trafficker

Victim is forced to perform sex acts

Victim is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex work

Victim does not have freedom of movement

Victim or family is threatened with harm if the victim attempts to escape

Victim is threatened with deportation or law enforcement action by the trafficker

Victim is harmed or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities